Reversible tie clip



1967 R. A. KLITZNER REVERSIBLE TIE CLIP Filed June 7, 1965 42 INVENTOR.

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United States Patent 3,337,924 REVERSIBLE TIE CLIP Robert A. Klitzner, 111 Preston Drive, Cranston, RI. 02910 Filed June 7, 1965, Ser. No. 461,688 3 Claims. (CI. 24-49) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A reversible tie clip having pivotally connected clip members, the outer surfacs of the clip members being formed with an ornamental design so that the clip members may be interchangeably worn in the exposed position when the tie clip is mounted on the tie of the wearer.

The present invention relates to a tie clip construction. More particularly the present invention relates to a reversible tie clip that includes pivotally connected clip members, the outer surfaces of which are formed with an ornamental design and each of which may be exposed a desired when the tie clip is mounted on the tie of the wearer.

Tie clips are normally constructed with an outer clip member and an inner clamping member, the outer surface of the outer clip member being ornamented in some suitable manner and defining the ornamental portion .of the tie clip. The inner clamping member in the prior known constructions was usually pivotally connected to the outer clip member and was urged to the clamping position by a spring or the like. The inner clamping member of the tie clips heretofore was not formed with any particular ornamental shape or surface ornamentation since this clamping member was normally hidden from view when the tie clip was mounted on the tie of the wearer. The present invention defines a unique departure over the prior known tie clip constructions in that a pair of symmetrical clip members are pivotally connected together intermediate the inner surfaces thereof, both of the clip members having ornamental outer surfaces that provide for mounting of the tie clip on the tie of the wearer with either of the ornamental surfaces exposed as desired. In order to reversibly or interchangeably mount the tie clip of the present invention, each of the clip members thereof is formed with an inturned tab portion, the tab portions being joined at the ends htereof in pivotal relation and receiving a coil spring for normally urging the clip members into clamping position. Each of the tab portions is spaced from the inner surface of the clip member to which it is joined, thereby defining a slot therebetween. The slot between each tab portionand its associated clip member is adapted to receive the tie therein and thus provides for locating either of the outer surfaces of the clip members in exposed position when the tie clip is mounted in place on the tie of the wearer. Since the clip members are formed substantially identical in shape and configuration, the tie clip of the present invention is symmetrical and thus is adaptable for simple reversing location on the tie of the wearer, depending upon the preferred ornamental surface that is to be exposed.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible tie clip that includes pivotally connected clip members formed with ornamental outer surfaces, each of which may be worn in exposed position on the tie of the wearer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reversible tie clip having hymmetrical clip members that are formed with inturned tab portions, the tab portions being pivotally connected for joining the clip members in pivotal relation.

Still another object is to provide a reversible tie c p having clip portions formed with inturned tab portions, one of the tab portions having spaced ears formed thereon and the other including a pair of opposed fingers that are received in the spaced ears, the tab portions thereby being pivotally connected for locating the clip members in pivotal relation.

Still another object is to provide a reversible tie clip having symmetrically formed clip members, each of which has an inturned tab portion that defines a slot therewith,

each slot being adapted to receive the tie portions of the wearers tie when the tie clip is mounted in place thereon.

Othe objects, features and advantages of'the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying il lustrative drawing.

In the drawing, which illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a tie showing the tie clip of the present invention mounted in place thereon;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the tie clip embodied herein showing an ornamental surface that is formed on a clip member of the tie clip;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tie clip illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the pivotal interconnection of the clip members thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of one of the tie clip members;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the other clip member;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 1; and

' FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coil spring that is interconnected to the clip members for urging them to the clamping position thereof.

Referring now to the drawing and particularly to FIG. 1, the tie clip embodied in the present invention is generally indicated at 10 and, as shown, is mounted in place on a tie 12 of any conventional construction. It is understood that the tie 12 as worn by the wearer will include an outer and inner portion which are to be clamped together on the shirt of the wearer in the conventional manner by the tie clip 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 7, the tie clip 10 of the present invention is illustrated in detail and includes a first clip member generally indicated at 14 and a second clip member generally indicated at 16 that is pivotally interconnected to the clip member 14. As will be described, the pivotally interconnected clip members 14 and 16 are normally urged to a clamping position so that when the tie clip 10 is mounted in place on the tie 12 of the wearer, it will clamp the tie to the wearers shirt in the conventional manner. The clip members 14 and 16 are generally symmetrical in construction, and, as shown in the drawing, each of the clip members includes a body portion that is oval in configuration. However, it will be understood that the shape of the body portions of the clip members may be varied as desired without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the clip member 14 is illustrated and, as shown, includes an oval shaped body portion 18, the outer surface of which is suitably ornamented. In this connection, the outer surface of the body portion 18 may have a design or other surface ornamentation formed thereon, or may be formed with lettering or other indicia normally associated with tie clips. Joined to one end of the body portion 18 is a tab portion 20 that is turned inwardly so as to be located in spaced relation with respect to the inner surface of the body portion 18. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the tab portion 20 defines a slot 22 with the body portion 18, the slot 22 being adapted to receive the front and rear portions of the dicular relation with respect to the plane of the tab portion 20. Formed in each of the ears 24 is an opening 26, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the clip member 16 is illustrated and, as shown, includes a body portion 28 which is provided with an outer surface that is ornamented in any desired manner. As described above in connection with the body portion 18, the outer surface of the body portion 28 may be formed with any suitable design or surface ornamentation, or may have indicia imprinted there on in the usual manner. As also previously mentioned, the body portions 18 and 28 of the clip members 14 and 16 are substantially symmetrical in configuration and are adapted to be urged in clamping relation, the symmetrical relation of the body portions providing for a proper clamping action for mounting the tie clip on the tie 12. Referring again to FIG. 5, the clip member 16 is further shown including an inturned tab portion 30 that is located in spaced relation with respect to the inner surface of the body portion 28. As further seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, the spacing of the inturned tab portion 30 from the inner surface of the body portion 28 defines a slot 32 that is adapted to receive the tie portions of the tie 12 when the tie clip is mounted with the clamping member 16 in the exposed position thereof. As again seen in FIG. 5, opposed fingers 34 are provided by cutting out a slot or opening 36 in the tab portion 30. The fingers 34 are separable for location in a generally open position as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 5, and are normally open in this position prior to the assembly of the clip members 14 and 16.

The clip members 14 and 16 are assembled by pivotally interconnecting the tab portions 20 and 30. This is accomplished by inserting the fingers 34 into the openings 26 of the ears 24 of the clip member 14. The fingers 34 are then moved to the closed position as illustrated in full lines in FIG. 5 to positively lock the clip members in the pivoted position thereof. Prior to the closing of the fingers 34- in position in the openings 26 of the ears 24, a spring member indicated at 38 is inserted between the ears 24 and receives the fingers 34 therein during the assembly of the clip members. The spring member 38 which includes the spring ends 40 and 42 is thus mounted on the tab portions with each of the ends 40 and 42 being located in engagement with a tab portion. This re lationship is illustrated in FIG. 6, the spring member 38 thus acting to urge the clip members 14 and 16 to the clamping position thereof. It is seen that this clamping position is defined by location of the ends of the clip members 14 and 16 that are oposite to the tab portions 20 and 30 in engaging or nearly engaging relation. By normally urging the clip members to a closed p osition, it will be seen that the clip members 14 and 16 may be pivotally opened by exerting a pressure thereon adjacent to the tab portions 20 and 30. The tab portions are so constructed that the angle therebetween, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, provides for sufficient movement of the clamping members 14 and 16 to open the outer lips or edges thereof. With the force applied to the clip members adjacent to the tab portions thereof as described, the clip may then be mounted on the tie 12 in the conventional manner.

In use, the tie clip 10 is mounted on the tie 12 with either of the clip members 14 or 16 in the outer position thereof. Depending upon the surface ornamentation of the outer surfaces of the body portions 18 and 28 to be exposed, the user will position the tie clip 10 on the tie 12 as desired. It is understood that the mounting of the tie clip 10 in place on the tie 12 with either of the members in the exposed position thereof requires the identical procedure. That is to say, when the clip member 14 is to be located in the outer position with the body portion 18 thereof exposed, the tie portions will be received Within the slot 22 that is formed between the tab portion 20 and the body portion 18. Both the clip members 14 and 16 will then be normally urged into clamping relation for clamping the tie clip in place on the tie 12. When the tie clip is to be reversed so as to expose the outer surface of the body portion 28, the tie members are received within the slot 32 that is formed between the tab portion 30 and the inner surface of the body portion 28.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inven tive concept, and that the same is not limited to the I particular forms herein shown and described, except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a reversible tie clip, a first member including a body portion having an ornamental outer surface, a second member including a body portion having an overall configuration similar to the body portion of said first member and having an ornamental outer surface, a tab portion joined to the body portion of said first member and being bent rearwardly with respectthereto, said tab portion terminating in spaced ears having aligned openings formed therein, a tab portion joined to the body portion of said second member and benig bent rearwardly with respect thereto, the tab portion on said second member terminating in a pair of aligned fingers that are receivable in the openings formed in said ears, wherein said first and second members are pivotally interconnected by said tab portions that are disposed between the interconnected body portions, and spring means operatively connected to said tab portions for normally locating said members in a relatively closed position, wherein the ends of said body portions opposite to said tab portions are disposed in engaging relation, said closed ends being moved to an open position upon application of a force to the ends of the body portions adjacent to said tab portions and against the action of said spring means when said clip is mounted in position on the tie of the wearer.

2. In a reversible tie clip, a first clip member including a body portion having an ornamental outer surface and an inner surface, a first tab portion joined to the body portion of said first clip member at one end thereof and being bent inwardly with respect thereto, said first tab portion being spaced from the inner surface of said body portion to define a slot therewith for receiving the tie of the user when the ornamental outer surface of said first clip member is worn on the outside surface of the users tie, a second clip member including a body'portion having an ornamental outer surface and an inner surface that is located in opposed relation to the inner surface of the body portion of said first clip member, a second tab portion joined to the body portion of said second clip member and being bent inwardly with respect thereto to define a second slot therewith, said second slot receiving the tie of the user therein when the ornamental outer surface of said second clip member is worn on the outside surfaceof the users tie, said first tab portion terminating in spaced ears having openings therein, said second tab portion terminating in opposed fingers that are received Within said openings for mounting said clip members in pivotal relation with respect to each other, said ears and fingers received therein being located intermediate the inner surfaces of said clip members and spaced therefrom, and a spring member engaging said tab portions and normally biasing the ends of said body portions located opposite to said tab portions into engaging relation, the outer ends of said tab portions being spaced so as to provide for pivotal movement of said clip members when the ornamental outer surface of either clip member is Worn on the outside of the Wearers tie.

3. In a reversible tie clip, a first clip member having an ornamental outer surface and an inner surface, a second clip member that is generally symmetrical with said first clip member and having an ornamental outer surface and an inner surface, a tab portion joined to each clip member at one end thereof and being turned inwardly with respect thereto for location in spaced relation to the inner surface thereof, said tab portions being pivotally connected intermediate the clip members to locate the inner surfaces of said clip members in opposed relation, and means engaging said tab portions for normally urging said clip members to a clamping position, the ornamental outer surfaces of said clip members being interchangeable in position so that said tie clip is adapted to be mounted on the tie of the wearer with either ornamental surface exposed as desired, one of said tab portions having opposed ears formed thereon and the other tab portion being formed with opposed fingers that are receivable in said ears for pivotally mounting said clip members with respect to each other, said urging means including a coil spring that is received on the fingers of said other tab portion and that includes spring ends that engage both inturned tab portions for urging said clip members to the clamping position thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,581,274 1/1952 Mix 2449 FOREIGN PATENTS 13,030 1914 Great Britain.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner. E. SIMONSEN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN A REVERSIBLE TIE CLIP, A FIRST MEMBER INCLUDING A BODY PORTION HAVING AN ORNAMENTAL OUTER SURFACE, A SECOND MEMBER INCLUDING A BODY PORTION HAVING AN OVERALL CONFIGURATION SIMILAR TO THE BODY PORTION OF SAID FIRST MEMBER AND HAVING AN ORNAMENTAL OUTER SURFACE, A TAB PORTION JOINED TO THE BODY PORTION OF SAID FIRST MEMBER AND BEING BENT REARWARDLY WITH RESPECT THERETO, SAID TAB PORTION TERMINATING IN SPACED EARS HAVING ALIGNED OPENINGS FORMED THEREIN, A TAB PORTION JOINED TO THE BODY PORTION OF SAID SECOND MEMBER AND BEING BENT REARWARDLY WITH RESPECT THERETO, THE TAB PORTION ON SAID SECOND MEMBER TERMINATING IN A PAIR OF ALIGNED FINGERS THAT ARE RECEIVABLE IN THE OPENINGS FORMED IN SAID EARS, WHEREIN SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS ARE PIVOTALLY INTERCONNECTED BY SAID TAB PORTIONS THAT ARE DISPOSED BETWEEN THE INTERCONNECTED BODY PORTIONS, AND SPRING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID TAB PORTIONS FOR NORMALLY LOCATING SAID MEMBERS IN A RELATIVELY CLOSED POSITION, WHEREIN THE ENDS OF SAID BODY PORTIONS OPPOSITE TO SAID TAB PORTIONS ARE DISPOSED IN ENGAGING RELATION, SAID CLOSED ENDS BEING MOVED TO AN OPEN POSITION UPON APPLICATION OF A FORCE TO THE ENDS OF THE BODY PORTIONS ADJACENT TO SAID TAB PORTIONS AND AGAINST THE ACTION OF SAID SPRING MEANS WHEN SAID CLIP IS MOUNTED IN POSITION ON THE TIE OF THE WEARER. 